Haitian prime minister fired by Senate

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis has been removed from office by a Senate vote.

Eighteen of 29 senators voted to censure her in the early Friday hours.

The decision leaves Haiti without a head of government or cabinet and could imperil efforts to attract foreign investment.

Pierre-Louis refused to attend the session. She told the body their decision was a foregone conclusion.

Senators debated for more than nine hours but discussion focused almost entirely on procedure.

The motion against the prime minister was led by members of President Rene Preval's Lespwa movement. They took control of the Senate in elections earlier this year.